The never ending wars of habitual aggressors are likely to end up as failures. The dreams of world domination, contradictory to the majority persist to play politics over the lives of men and resources. Like the fog of war based on failed intelligence reports led to the demise of our world influence, the loss of a $3T surplus to a $2.5T deficit in six years, intended for our governance. Worst still, is the planned attack on Syria and Iran.How much more did we learn?....Amor Patriae
US SHOULD OCCUPY CUBA TO PREVENT IT FROM BECOMING A CHINESE MILITARY BASE
China Has Had a Spy Base in Cuba for Years, U.S. Official Says
It was unclear whether the report might complicate Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s rescheduled trip to Beijing for meetings that begin June 18
The Senate Intelligence Committee is disturbed by the cooperation of Beijing and Havana.Credit...Yander Zamora/EPA, via Shutterstock
A recent report in the Wall Street Journal says Chinese troops could soon be on the US doorstep, if they aren't already. According to the report, it's all part of a deal for China to build a military base there, making the US worry that Chinese troops will be stationed there. In this episode of China Uncensored, we discuss why China wants a base in Cuba, what the US response has been, and what other plans for bases China has.
A Chinese spy base or facilities in Cuba that could intercept electronic signals from nearby U.S. military and commercial buildings have been up and running since before 2019, when they were upgraded, according to a Biden administration official.
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence, said the spy base was an issue that the Biden administration had inherited from former President Donald J. Trump. After Mr. Biden took office, his administration was briefed about the base in Cuba as well as plans China was considering to build similar facilities across the globe, the official said.
The existence of an agreement to build a Chinese spy facility in Cuba, first reported on Thursday by The Wall Street Journal and also reported by The New York Times and other news outlets, prompted a forceful response from Capitol Hill. In a joint statement, Senator Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the panel’s top Republican, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, said they were “deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people.”
John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, denied the reports at the time, saying they were “not accurate.” He added that “we have had real concerns about China’s relationship with Cuba, and we have been concerned since Day 1 of the administration about China’s activities in our hemisphere and around the world.”
But a U.S. official familiar with the intelligence cited in Thursday’s reports insisted that China and Cuba had struck an accord to enhance existing spy capabilities.
Relations Between China and the U.S.Digital Cold War: The Biden administration is exploring what can be done to address security concerns about the cloud computing divisions of Chinese tech behemoths like Alibaba, potentially widening the scope of the technological tensions between Washington and Beijing. Blinken’s Trip to China: Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi Jinping, China’s leader, as the two governments sought to pull relations out of a deep chill that has raised global concerns about the growing risk of a conflict between them. Spy Balloon: Intelligence agencies learned that Xi was kept in the dark about a spy balloon that crossed into United States airspace this winter as the incident unfolded, President Biden said in a seemingly unplanned riff at a campaign fund-raiser.
Carlos F. de Cossio, a deputy foreign minister of Cuba, wrote on Twitter on Saturday that the latest reports on spying facilities were “slanderous speculation.”
Some of the Biden administration’s critics in Congress questioned the motives for the administration’s response.
“Why did the Biden administration previously deny these reports of a C.C.P. spy base in Cuba? Why did they downplay the ‘silly’ C.C.P. spy balloon?” Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, the Republican chairman of the House select committee looking into strategic competition with China, said in a statement Saturday, referring to the Chinese Communist Party by its initials.
The Biden administration has been working to counter China’s continued efforts to gain a foothold in the region and elsewhere, an administration official said, chiefly by engaging diplomatically with nations that China was pursuing as potential hosts for such bases. The official added that the administration had slowed China’s plans but declined to give specifics.
While Beijing’s global efforts to build military bases and listening outposts have been documented previously, the reports detailed the extent to which China is bringing its intelligence-gathering operations into ever-closer proximity with the United States. Cuba’s coastline is less than 100 miles from the nearest part of Florida, a close enough distance to enhance China’s technological ability to conduct signals intelligence, by monitoring the electronic communications across the U.S. southeast, which is home to several military bases.
China and the United States routinely spy on one another’s activities, and Cuba proximity has long made it a strategically valuable foothold for U.S. adversaries, perhaps most famously during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union attempted to store nuclear missiles on the island nation during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, said Friday in response to the reports, “The U.S. is the global champion of hacking and superpower of surveillance.”
The reports also surfaced at an awkward moment for the Biden administration, which has been trying to normalize relations with China after a protracted period of heightened tensions. Last year, several diplomatic, military and climate engagements between the two countries were frozen after Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan over objections from Beijing, which considers the self-governing island part of its territory.
High-level meetings, including an official trip by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, were canceled again earlier this year, after a Chinese spy balloon was seen crossing the United States by people on the ground, and tracked hovering near sensitive military sites.
Mr. Blinken is now scheduled to travel to Beijing for meetings that begin June 18, and it is unclear if revelations of a Chinese spy facility so close to U.S. territory could complicate those plans. Other issues hover over the trip, including growing calls for China to release Yuyu Dong, a prominent journalist who has been detained since February last year and is awaiting trial on charges of espionage that his family members say are false. Mr. Dong, a former Nieman fellow at Harvard, met for years in a transparent manner with American and Japanese diplomats and journalists in Beijing.
US can't do much to stop Chinese spy base in Cuba, expert says
Reports have surfaced over the last week about Chinese spy operations based in Cuba, only about 90 miles from Key West, Florida.
One expert notes the “confusion” surrounding the reports, but he says the realization that the Chinese are using Cuba to conduct surveillance shouldn’t come as a shock.
“I think it would be more of a news story if there wasn't a Chinese spy base on Cuba and there’s no spying operations there,” said Michael A. Allen, a political science professor at Boise State University, “because spying is a normal course of international relations. The U.S. does a ton of it, as well. And it's par for the course.”
Cuba hosted Soviet spy operations during the Cold War, he said. Now, it appears Cuba is hosting Chinese spy operations.
Chinese and Cuban officials have denied any such operations.
“What is true can never be false, and what is false can never be true,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin said Monday. “No matter how the U.S. tries with slanders and smears, it will not succeed in driving a wedge between two true friends, China and Cuba, nor can it cover up its deplorable track record of indiscriminate mass spying around the world.”
The “secret agreement” for an “electronic eavesdropping facility” in Cuba came to light with a Wall Street Journal report last week.
FILE - A Cuban flag hangs on Parque Central Hotel in Havana, Cuba, early Monday, July 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco)
The report cited U.S. officials familiar with highly classified intelligence.
The Biden administration denied the report initially.
“I’ve seen that press report, it’s not accurate,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told MSNBC. “What I can tell you is that we have been concerned since day one of this administration about China’s influence activities around the world. Certainly, in this hemisphere and in this region, we’re watching this very, very closely.”
But, over the weekend, the White House confirmed to the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press that China has operated a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019. Neither outlet named a specific administration official in providing the confirmation, and the White House hasn’t issued an official statement.
“There's some mix-up in the reporting here that suggests that there might be two different levels happening, the existence of operations already versus a newer deal that might be going on,” said Allen, who is an expert in international relations.
The leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee put out a joint statement that seemed to frame the spy base news as something they didn’t already know about.
“We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people. The United States must respond to China’s ongoing and brazen attacks on our nation’s security,” reads the statement from Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
The U.S. is likely to bring this up in talks with China. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reportedly planning to travel to China in the coming weeks after his trip there was canceled in the wake of the Chinese spy balloon incident.
But Allen said the U.S. really isn’t in the position to pressure either China or Cuba to shutter the reported surveillance operation. The U.S. doesn’t want to give up its spy operations as an incentive for China, and our relationship is too bad with Cuba to coax cooperation from the island nation.
Allen said the timing of this report is curious. If it’s all about a preexisting base, then why did it come to light now?
Still, Allen called this a “minor blip so far” in the already-strained China-U.S. relations.
“It's not ‘spy-balloon level,’” he said.
The U.S. and China have been in a trade war since 2018, with tariffs, retaliatory tariffs, and other export controls put in place.
And then there’s risk surrounding U.S. relations with Taiwan, over which China stakes claim.
The last two House speakers, Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy, have met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, drawing rebukes from China and sparking military exercises in the region as a sort of warning from China.
Friday, June 9, 2023
THE SONGS AND MEMORIES OF MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS UPDATE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
This is my High School group pictures: Founding of our beloved University of the Philippines IN 1908
The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 as the American University of the Philippines by an act of the First Philippine Legislature Act No. 1870, otherwise known as the University Charter, specified the function of the University, which is to provide advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences, and arts, and to give professional and technical training.UP Prep was a unique high school created in 1954, when the UP Board of Regents authorized then UP President Vidal Tan to open a first class high school in Manila. The school’s high standard curriculum was designed for secondary school graduates with the aptitudes and intellectual talents for university level education. The faculty was carefully selected for these advanced subjects. Only by passing a battery of rigorous examinations could a student get in, and once accepted, he or she had to hurdle to pass each of the four tough years of the highest standard of education ever given to high school students in the Philippines before one could graduate. In 1973, after graduating 20 classes — comprised altogether of 1500 graduates — UP Prep was merged with UP High School to later become what is now known as UP Integrated High School.
For me, U.P. Prep High, was another passage to adulthood. I was exposed early to student politics and activism, when a strike by college seniors closed classes in 1957 and sent us home for a week during my yearling year. I was puzzled why the strike, but it was a transition of presidency of the University, and there was no sitting president. Later, I learned more about classmates from the best among the best, chosen from different walks of life. You apply yourself to a diverse bunch of kids, invariably they were not from the same parish, like back in the elementary. My little world expanded by the distant location (two jeepney rides) to Padre Faura. Fascination in the field of Sciences and Mathematics from Liberal mentors instead of Religion gave me a glimpse of my future career. Disallowed text by the catholic church, accessed freely in High School, and devoured voraciously, led to the knowledge of my heritage, and our true history. My sensibility changed and it became more acute in the unequal treatment of less influential classmates by superiors.
RIZAL HALL: My High School: UP Prep was a unique high school created in 1954, when the UP Board of Regents authorized then UP President Vidal Tan to open a first class high school in Manila. The school’s high standard curriculum was designed for secondary school graduates with the aptitudes and intellectual talents for university level education. The faculty was carefully selected for these advanced subjects. Only by passing a battery of rigorous examinations could a student get in, and once accepted, he or she had to hurdle to pass each of the four tough years of the highest standard of education ever given to high school students in the Philippines before one could graduate. In 1973, after graduating 20 classes — comprised altogether of 1500 graduates — UP Prep was merged with UP High School to later become what is now known as UP Integrated High School.
Our UP Diliman Campus early 1960 In 1939, the Board of Regents acquired a 493-hectare land in the Diliman District of the newly established Quezon City. Construction began on the area on the same year. The development of the area was then stalled by World War II, with invading Japanese troops occupying some of the buildings built. By 1942, the university was forced to close down some of its colleges, with only the Colleges of Medicine, Engineering, and Pharmacy maintaining their operations. When the war ended in 1945, the buildings intended to be the homes of the College of Law and the College of Liberal Arts were left with extensive damages. The university administration led by UP President Bienvenido Gonzales sought a grant worth P13 million from the US-Philippines War Damage Commission to restore the damaged facilities and to construct new ones so that the transfer of the university from Manila to Diliman could be pushed through. Through a symbolic ceremony of transferring the Oblation from Manila to Diliman, the whole university's administration was relocated to the new campus. New buildings were constructed in response to the creation of more academic degrees. Organization of the newly established institutes and the reformulation of programs followed with the establishment of programs such as the General Education Program, a delegated roster of core courses required to be taken by all students at the undergraduate level. Under the presidency of UP President Vicente Sinco, a University College was made to address the need of a much-organized college structure. The College of Arts and Sciences was created to offer major subjects in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.
Thank you Cap and Helen for hosting our little mini once again. Thank you for the sumptuous meal, the take home goodies and excellent company. Thank you Alex and Marissa for the wonderful gifts, excellent company and the delightful music. Marissa, our twins were especially enamoured with your piano renditions. We missed you Augie and Violet. Hope nothing serious caused you not to show up. We really had a most enjoyable evening. Salamat RC & Dudi
A poignant oblation photo. My interpretation of my last look and parting with "UPPHS". "Paalam" Prep High.
My political ideology agrees with the student activism during the Marcos administration. This is one reason why I left the Philippines, long before Martial Law. UP Diliman became the bastion of activism in the 1960s and 1970s, with various tumultuous events eventually contributing to the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. In this period, UP Diliman became a center of dissent towards the Marcos' administration. The year 1971 marked an important event in the Philippine history when the entire Diliman campus was declared the Diliman Commune, and became free from government control. Students and faculty members took over the campus in response to increasing military presence and the increase of oil prices. The students established full control of the campus for a month, barricading the streets with chairs and tables.
A Country, A Race, A Nation
Hosts to heroes long since departed,
Mark the revolutions.
The governments, who left dry tokens
Of their sojourn here
On the pearl of the Orient Seas,
Any broad alarm of the hastening doom
Is lost in the gloom of crimes against its people.
But today, the Country cries out to us, clearly, forcefully,
Come, you may stand upon my
Back and face your distant destiny,
But seek no haven in my shadow.
I will give you no retiring place up here.
You, created only a little lower than
The guardians, have crouched too long in
The bruising darkness,
Have lain too long, Face down in feudal ignorance.
Your minds spelling rancor
Armed for slaughter.
The country cries out today, you may stand by me,
But don't hide behind false constitution.
Across the hall of nations,
A poor people cries for justice,
Come rest here by my side.................ASC
Marissa playing America the Beautiful, The Theme from the American Civil War, O'Sheanandoah, Ang Bayan Ko
As she plays these melodic patriotic songs, I begin to reminisce, my stay at Rizal Hall. I have passed over 70 years of my life, but I still have vivid memories of the halls, and classrooms at the University of the Philippines in Manila. I can not deny my deep feeling of warmth to this great school. Among the colleges that I have attended in the Philippines and in the USA during my academic life, my particular fondness is always with the University of the Philippines. I and like every alumni of the U. P. Preparatory High School should be so proud of this University and the rich traditions that it represents…ASC
Reaching my destination in San Francisco, my dreams of more liberation of my ideology and thoughts were fulfilled. But we wanted more, to see life without violence, unlike the country I left. We wanted media that contained truth. Some of us risked our lives to find out what the government was doing and let the underground press know. We wanted to talk about things in print that we were not allowed to discuss in our culture of origin. We wanted to live without stupid, arbitrary rules, either for ourselves or for our children. Some of our children, as adults today, say they wish we had been more protective of them, or offered more structure.It was a moment in history when a mushroom explosion of consciousness began altering the life force. Through that explosion, we broke down the prison walls of "intellect as the ultimate". We focused on the heart, and by doing so, reopened our cookie jar of possibilities·politically, socially, sexually and spiritually. The effects of that explosion have permeated our culture. We, as a generation, have a responsibility to see that the 60's are remembered in the context in which they unfolded."
Looking up Powell St. from Market St. The canteen at Woolworth on your right, served me well at lunch. During my job search, the hills of San Francisco was a hindrance. I think my overdeveloped legs were the outcome of the constant walking in SF. The Filipino community has grown remarkably since World War II and has spread to all areas of the city, especially the South of Market area. The affluent Castro district (technically Eureka Valley near Twin Peaks) has attracted gays and lesbians from throughout the country, becoming perhaps the most famous gay neighbourhood in the world. Its streets are adorned with elegantly restored Victorian homes and landmarks highlighting significant dates in the struggle for gay rights. It is said that no local politician can win an election without the gay community's vote. Dropping down California St. Fabled hills, were the scourge of the handicap, nowhere in any city but San Francisco, where wheel chairs are absent...my own observation. I remember there were so many people coming in for the Peace March, we wondered around listening to the sounds of the bands warming up at the Union Square. The guitars faded in and out like the morning fog that drifted in and out on the breeze off the bay. Again, there was the thick smell of incense and marijuana, but there was something else in the atmosphere as well: the air was glowing electric with excitement and anticipation. Everyone felt that we were about to be part of something really big.
The girls of St. Theresa, the innocence of the young ladies above, untouched by the sixties youth revolution remained in my mind. Why someday, one of them will be my partner in life.
So much legend has been woven around the Sixties that it is very hard to see them for what they were, especially the ideas that sparked the Youth Revolution. It was a time when it was really something to be young.' I should mention that many of us whose youth had been pinched by post-war austerity did our best to have another one by joining the party.Sex, drugs and rock & roll are the staple ingredients of the legendary Permissive Society
"That sense of freedom had a place and I don't think you can blame the Sixties for what we are like nowadays. "I think that is an excuse for the way things are now and you can't make excuses."Some things may have got out of hand, but it was a time when people became more liberated."It is not true to say it was a time of hedonism. It is excessive to say that."We were obvioulsy involved in photography and we had some innovative people working for us and we had ideas. The Sixties had a lot to offer."
Muse APO DELTA 1966
Dewey Blvd below: The jetty potruding to Manila Bay is the future Cultural Center, on the other side of Dewey is the Manila Naval Station (MNS) where we lived from 1965 to 1966. the headquarters of the Philippine Navy was relegated to a small block of land south of the Manila Yacht Club. The original plan was to reclaim the site of the cultural center(CC) to replace the location of the MNS by the Central Bank. Imelda Marcos, saw this valuable real state and confiscated the plan for her project the now CC. The yacht club remained, the Navy base (MNS) was transferred to Fort Bonifacio.
RIP NICK PELAEZ MY DEAR FRIEND
Nick can be persistent in his quest for a girlfriend. We once followed a certain sophomore named Kathleen.... . all the way home thru busses and jeepneys with her, and managed to egged a smile; all the while serenading her the Irish ditty Kathleen in front of passengers.
University of the Philippines Prep Class'61....sitting from left Doddie, M.D.,PhD, Nilda, Assoc.Principal Scientist
standing...Babes, Paul,ret.
Don't know if you remember me. Nilda Fulgencio. I enjoy reading your e-mails and I couldn't help but feel the longing you feel for our country while singning the song. You see I have not gone home since 1972. Anyway, I have suddenly been reading more about you
from the MIT CHECHEM website and this. Keep communicating and regards to you and the family
Nilds.
RENE HERBOSA
Trivia: The places to go to for lunch were:
1. Cherry Pink on Taft Ave.Patronized mainly by girls. Sosyal.
2. Green Valley, adjacent to Rizal Hall. Only Prep boys go there...to eat and smoke. For P.40, you get rice, beef steak. For p .10 more, you get Coke.
3. Rizal Hall canteen. Pag-aari nina Auring, George, and siblings. Helper,s name: Agustin. Nakaaway yata ni RC. Here you have choices of rice meals, palabok, sandwiches.
4. Justice Canteen. Behind the Dept. of Foreign Affairs. This is the place where you want to be seen dining. Minimum cost of lunch is P.60. The place is really for DOJ officials and justices; patrons smoke blue seal Chesterfields or Salems. It's best to be there on a Monday, when your allowance for the week is still intact.
After lunch, you can buy santol or hilaw na mangga con bagoong at the driveway entrance to Rizal Hall. That's where I first saw Nora Borja, then third year, and crush ng bayan. The late Eulogio Tablante, Babe Acevedo's brother in law( elder brother ni Eva) was the James Dean of UP Prep. The Fourth year gangs were Cronvar and Dixie; Noel Alejo, Oyen Alejo, Rudy Gumba, Jun Gregorio, Rene Santiago+, Nides Belgado, Cesar Ledda, Taddy Palma, Silvino Guzman, and Ed Coronel were Cronvar. Jojo Binay, Angel Reano, Vic Guiang, Rey Aguilar, and others whose names I can't recall at the moment were Dixie.
RIP NESTOR RIVADELO
CARMELO MADRID
Carmelo is not a relative, not even a distant one, although he shares my Madrid relatives' wry sense of humor. To wit: While walking down Escolta Carmelo blurted that the man we just passed by was a hypocrite. When I asked how he knew. He said the man snarled when he tried to "hipo" his car! Also, he figured the man walking ahead of us at Padre Faura was good at short hand. Kasi daw maigsi yong kanang kamay!I am sure the Korean Airline crew he fies with are getting a dose of the Madrid humor!
Summer is a slow period for getting piano gigs, like once a month instead of the every other weekend during the fall and winter. My latest was at a cocktail hosted by the president of a local bank at his Chapaqua mansion, two blocks away from the Clintons. My eyes bulged when they showed me the piano - it was an 1890 Bosendorfer! Maski Chopstick maganda ang tunog sa Bosendorfer.
Am sure you are enjoying retirement, like most of our batchmates who opted for the same thing!
Doddie
Basta salamat sa mga San Pedro, kasama na si Honorio at Edgar. Saw Q's email sa UP APO loop namin... bilin sa aming kabatch Cesar "Karias" Frias (also here in Ontario), alagaan daw ako dahil 5 na ang SLN sa aming batch. Namely: (1) Jay Pecache (2) Jose Sason (3) Dr. Joel Ganaban (4) Rellie Cifra (5) Boni Tamayo.
Ooops!... ayoko pang maging # 6. Ok lang ang #17 dahil 17 kami sa batch namin, hehehe Alam mo bang kabatch ko sina Pong Villareal, Q Pastrana, Deo Reyes, Honorio San Pedro, Cesar Pascual, Boy TanGatue, Joe Espiritu; Angie Tonson, Cesar Frias, Vivo Vidal, Emac Macapagal.
Our Frat had a Memorial Day for our departed brods last August 9, 2008, Sat, UP Chapel, 10am. In-charge sina Jojo Binay at Tom Banguis.
81 na pala ang nauna since 1951, kasama ang ating Prep teacher na si Guillermo Lazaro (founding member). Marami sa mga nauna na ay kilala mo, Pol.
Doddie Bautista
Gerry Bautista
Manny Bustamante
Vic Calulut
Nanding Casanova
Rellie Cifra
Manny (Duck) Clamor
Boy Dalao
Walter del Rosario - Prepian
Bobby Galias - our GC when I joined APO
Dr. Joel Ganaban
Elpi Pada
Ed Pastoral
Florendo Rabago - UP Faculty
Guillermo Lazaro - UP Faculty
Ben Roa - Prepian (elder brother ni Boots ) (husband ni Nora Borja - Prepian)
Jose Sason - Prepian
Jay Pecache - Prepian
Omar Sayoc
Dr. Art Taca
Boni Tamayo
Tristan Villareal - husband of Marlene Clemente ( Marlene, also a Prepian, sister of our Prep teacher Ms. Clemente)
Ernie Vizconde - youngerbrother ni Its
16 sa listahan mo ang kakilala ko. I didn't realize na si Relly ""Ciper" Cifra at si Walter del Rosario ay sumakabilang buhay na. I used to play chess with Relly sa Vinzons...lagi siyang panalo. Art Taca was easygoing, anak ng Director ng Manila Zoo. Dodie was black belter sa Judo; worked at United Labs. That's how we met again after college. I was with Richardson-Merrell. Di ba sina Yani at Jun Veron Cruz and kabatch mo sana...pero nagpa-defer ka dahil inatake ka ng asthma during a session?
Alam mo, nasaang landas kaya ang Pilipinas ngayon kung sina Jesus Lava ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong mamuno? Nasilip mo ba kung ano ang kasulatan na lumabas sa makinilya? 1959...aba may muwang na tayo noon. Naituro na ni Mrs. Rosario Cortes sa atin ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas noon. Isa si M'am sa mga naunang gumamit ng mga kasulatan ni Dr. Agoncillo sa pagtuturo ng Kasaysayan.
Ping, di ko na alam contactin si Ed Labadia. Kay Maggie ko tanungin? Baka magalit si Higgy.
O, ingat. 40 pounds ang limit mo kargahin? Pag nagka-apo ka, kaya mo pang kargahin. Bilis , Tres Marias.
Always,
Pol&M
:
Finally, it was time for us to depart. Tight handshakes and hugs were exchanged. Brother Oca couldn’t help getting misty eyed, he has to wear his Ray Bans to hide it. Sadness and happiness both can be seen on each other’s faces as we bade goodbye to the brothers at Jonah’s place. I can’t forget the tight hug that Brother Tito made – reluctantly letting you go, his eyes reddened with tears. Thanks so much to Brother Jojo Lobusta for teaching Brother Tito the “APO whistle”. It was fun watching Brother Tito sound that whistle with a nod and a wink! I miss you all my dear brothers. Brothers Cesar Frias, Alex Custodio, and Oliver Vergara, I am really honored to meet you all and I hope to see you again and let the experience remind you of what we are. It was one of the most memorable event and I felt sorry for all who missed it. Manang Linda, Brother Norie’s wife said: “This is the most alive and joyous Valentine Party that they had attended.” Lastly let us remind ourselves what brother Cesar Frias stressed in his word of wisdom – “Let unity be the main reason to keep the fraternity alive!”
RIP Dr. Imelda Ocampo Andres
48 YEARS LATER OUR BAY AREA CONTINGENT
My uncle Melchor Martinez Capili (UP Prep High School '61 / BSEE, UP College of Engineering '67) passed away in San Francisco days ago.
His high school friends include Renato Constantino Jr (cc: Marika B. Constantino) and Eddie Manalac. Kindly ask your friends to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES PREP 61
Destination San Francisco. "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...If you're going to San Francisco, Summertime will be a love-in there" We first arrived in San Francisco in the late 60's, enamored about the City, loved it and never left the place. I remember my first walk/day here in the US. The new country was a treat the culture did not surprise me as I was aware of the scenes from readings before, but then, mostly involved in search of a job. Funny, when we look back, we think, we squandered the times of our life when our hormones were in tune with our desires. I was single then, going to school in San Francisco and also at the California State University in Sacramento, during those days really experienced the happening, although a little bit subdued due to work in the day time. That song forever imprinted in my mind "San Francisco" it became an instant hit and quickly transcended its original purpose by popularizing an idealized image of San Francisco. As the memories flicker down the memory lane, I wish to live back in the sixties with the images of the hills over the bay frozen in time....
J. GUZMAN, A. CAPULONG, CAP, RC, AC
FROM RC ANCIENT MEMORIES
Panciteria Moderna was the place to go for pancit miki and miki bihon
already wrapped in their version of "tetra pak". Pancit bihon was the
specialty of Panciteria Wa Nam.
At Ma Mon Luk siopao was at 30 centavos; mami was at 70 centavos or 2
pcs of siomai (large) with unlimited soup was at 30 centavos. So with
one peso busog ka na.
The Shangri-la in the basement of Shelborne Hotel (at the back) was
the place to go for dates if you wanted a dark and cozy atmosphere.
The Embers (in Cubao) of Bert Nievera was also popular. The Black
Angel along Shaw Blvd near the corner of Kalentong in Mandaluyong was
a very good place to listen to soft music (e.g. Fleetwoods, etc) and
the lights were also quite low. With Php 30- 50 in your pocket you
were in pretty good shape for a date.
"Bakuran" was the in-thing at parties with "screening" from a friend
to assist you in getting a dance with a girl who was very sought
after.
Wack-Wack, the Sky Room in Jai-Alai, the penthouse of the Rufino
Bldg. as well as the penthouse of the Sarmiento Bldg right opposite it
were the favorite places for proms and balls. Sikat ang event if the
Hi-Jacks; the Electromaniacs or the Technicolors was the "combo"
playing. Alta Vista along Roxas Blvd. was the favorite place for
wedding receptions at Php8.50 per cover!
Special ringside seats for performances at the Araneta Coliseum were
at Php 5.00 per. So with Php 20.00 you could safely invite someone and
still have enough for a snack afterwards or a game of "putt and
putt" at the mini-golf place located at the back of Araneta.
During early 60's, 5 centavos and 10 centavos ang bayad sa jeep.
Manila and Suburbs ang lahat ng biyahe ng jeep noon na 3 seater lang
at pitpit ka pagbata ka pag sumakay ka.
Sa Avenida at Sta. Cruz, Blumentritt, Tayuman, San Roque Church,
Espiritu Santo Church, Grace Park at Monumento ang mga sikat na
lugar.
Yung Good Earth Emporium pwede ring idagdag sa mga magagandang
shopping mall noong araw. Yung Manila Grand Opera house, Odeon,
Hollywood, Cinerama, Ideal, State, Lyric, Capitol ang mga sikat na
sinehan noon. Sa Q.C ay sikat yung Max's Chicken at Dayrit. Ang dollar
rate noon ay 3.70Php sa 1$ ang palitan. Ang Sarsi ay cinco centavos (5
centavos) 10 Centavos ang Coke.
Pero sikat yung Canada Dry, Uva at orange ang paborito namin noon.
Pag pasko madalas kami sa Sta Cruz para manood ng palabas sa Manila
COD para sa Xmas season. Noon walang chippy at potato chips, ang
merienda ay banana cue, camote cue, palitaw, biko, pinipig, halo-halo,
Wet look shoes, Pierre Cardin, Brut, Jovan musk oil and grass oil,
Aramis, platform shoes with bell-bottom pants and wide-buckled belts.
You had your hair styled or permed by: Flavio and Carmen, Nomer's,
Lita Rio, Grace Lagman, Dick & Lucy, and Kayumanggi. That was the time
of Aqua Net stiff, foot-high beehives, French twist and Kiss Me liquid
eye liners and Pretty Quik instant facial blotters.
You sang: Bobby, Bobby, Bobby by Jo Ann Campbell, Someday by Ricky
Nelson, And I Love Her by the Beatles, Cherish by the Association,
Because by Dave Clark Five, Distant Shores by Chad and Jeremy, Rainy
Days & Mondays by the Carpenters, You've Got a Friend by Carol King,
Hundred Miles by Peter, Paul and Mary, Evergreen by Paul Williams.
Saved whole month's allowance P50 to watch the Beatles perform live at
Rizal Memorial Coliseum in 1965.
It was hip to listen to: Bingo Lacson and Jo San Diego (past
midnight) of DZMT, the singing sensations from Ateneo de Manila? RJ
and the Riots, The Loonilarks, Joe Mari Chan and the APO Hiking
Society and dance to live combo music garbed in cocktail dresses and
dark suits.
DZMT was affiliated with the Manila Times and was the only broadcast
station that stayed on the air past midnight. Jo San Diego was their
anchor woman (she with the velvety bedroom voice).
And danced at: Manila Hotel's Jungle Bar, Stargazer, Bayside Night
Club (with live music by the Carding Cruz band), and the Nile (and the
Italian singing group Five n' Fives), Queue Disco, Circuit Disco,
Where Else? Altitude 49, Delirium (in Greenbelt) D'Flame, Rino's, and
Velvet Slum, Wells Fargo, and Coco Banana.
After graduation, jam sessions were replaced by night clubs and
Bayside was the place to go for live bands and non-stop dancing.
Do you remember when: Dollar to peso exchange rate was $1 = P7,
Walang Tindigan buses charged a flat rate of P1, Love Bus fare was
P1.50, family size Shakey's Pizza cost less than P40, Malate streets
were named after US States (Pennsylvania, Colorado, etc.); Paranaque,
San Juan, Makati, Pasig, Las Pinas, Taguig, Pateros and Muntinlupa
were municipalities of Rizal province; DLSU was De La Salle College,
Poveda was Institucion Teresiana, Adamson University was the original
St. Theresa's campus, Robinsons mall was the Assumption Convent
campus, Petron was Esso, Villamor Air Base was then known as Nichols
Air Base, bancas were plenty in the Baclaran side of Dewey Blvd. (now
Roxas Blvd.) and traffic was non-existent in Tagaytay.
PLDT telephone numbers were five digits and you used your index finger
to dial a number one at a time.
If you remember all these things, you're history in great company and
I dare say, happy to be.
Since the writer was fleeting between two generations (60's-70"s), you
party goers surely remember the Dyna Souls (dubbed the Beatles of the
Philippines) , The Tilt Down Men (The Sotto brothers, Tito & Val,
favored the Dave Clark 5) Jaime Jose & the Deltas* (remember Maggie
Dela Riva?) What about gate crashing a "Tipar" (for party) and the
ensuing rumble between feuding barkadas: The Havocs, Combat, &
Exotics, meron pang kanya-kanyang busina (car honking IDs).
Remember BMI (Baguio Military Institute)? That school was a dumping
ground for kicked out students from Manila and kids that needed
discipline. Let us not forget ang mga taga "Baste" (San Sebastian).
Ang daming siga noong araw.
Sure you remember playing Pelota... And drag racing along Ortigas and
behind Meralco..
Sikat ka sa barkada kung may "syota" (girl friend) kang "Colegiala"
(Assumption, STC, St. Scho, Maryknoll, Holy Spirit; and the other
schools - St. Paul's, St. Joseph, Centro Escolar ). As proof, you
should be wearing her high school ring in your pinkie finger...And
dapat karta 9 ...You probably took her out to the Butterfly (at UP) to
listen to folk songs and sip Butterfly Iced Tea.
Did you get to date a "chick" from Brent (Baguio) and IS (Makati)?
Of course you should have enough cash for the gaso (gas), tsibog
(food/dinner) , cover charge/drinks at the Flame or Rino's, konting
damo, and for the finale, enough datong (cash) para sa "biglang liko".
Or kung gipit for cash, park at the huge lot of Folk Arts and just do
it in the car...Kaya lang dapat may "Tapwe" (Singkuwenta pesos) pang
lagay sa parak (police), and a handy calling card of a military
officer with a hand written note in the back that "you should be
given utmost courtesy"... .jeesh...
Then in the late 70's early 80's came the CB radio phenomenon.. Tibs
on Makati Ave. for beer and happy hour at the Manila Garden; always
overflowing with beer and chicken wings...Tapos masahe sa Imperial
Palace or Maalikaya... To cap the night, a stop at Birds of the Same
Feather for smooth jazz courtesy of Eddie Katindig.
Tapos you get to do it all over again the following day.
When we were young, we were in a hurry to grow up The future a dream and now the reality These were icons of our mind as kids Now we know and we have learned Tomorrow, the tomorrow is uncertain With unknown script You don't know how Life can bring it Because everything is passing And what will happen tomorrow Nobody knows. Now that our wish came true To become adults, our life is complete Time is not enough for our dreams anymore Our childhood is gone…
The Captain's Table, opposite us Judith and Wayne my warm immediate friends
RIP AMADO SANTOS
Amado Punzalang is the virtuoso on the piano. He resides in New Jersey. He plays sa simbahan. Paul Montalban and Vivian are musicians as well. Did you know that Paolo Montalban (Cinderella actor, partner of Brandy) is the son of Paul? A handful of our 61 classmates live in the West Coast as listed: Jose Guzman, Honorio San Pedro, Erlinda Ramos, Victoria Tolentino, Jose Buenaventura, Amado Santos, Ernesto Tan Gatue, Edgardo Silverio, Milagros Suva, Lilac Umali, Evelyn Fontanilla, Sister Elsa Sevilla, Josefino Quiambao, Dolores Vergara, Melchor Capili, Augusto Capulong etc. Carol Corpus, Paul M., Amado Punzalang, Nilda Fulgencio reside in the East Coast. Vilma Bala, Ping Fargas, Macrina de Leon etc. nasa Toronto. naman. Nelia Gonzales nasa Richmond, BC, Canada naman. George Olivar passed away three months ago. Jose Sason & Jose Pecache passed on too.....a few years back Dear Amado,
Since you are the piano virtuoso among the classmates, here is a collection of concert grands including the Bosendorfer that you admire and wish to play. Take care and Click below......
Our Field trips to Bagiuo: The University of the Philippines made this field trips available to the student body under the supervision of Mr. Rubio. I remember our trips to Bagiuo and Bicol by train. The later, I was not able to avail. students start the term with a trip to various High Schools, either to a resort, an American base, or towns in Luzon. School life is also enriched by additional field trips to such places important to the nation’s infrastructure, like dams, markets, military base and institutions like PMA. BURNHAM PARK Bagiuo below photos
Burnham Park, where we rented roller skates, and then, shared one of these tricycles with an upper class junior. I held both her hands, no names please, a boyish romantic encounter. Surely an unforgettable Chance Encounter for a boy of 13, as she shifted towards me. We cuddled and continued to ride in the cool afternoon fog.
1st row: Manuel Edralin,Wilfredo de Leon,Cynthia Cuevas,Eldora Bella,Nilda Fulgencio, Araceli Cruz (?),Lourdes Gacad,Rosalita Vizconde,Melanie Villanueva,Lilia Laqui,Frine Bautista, Rosalinda Roa Edgardo Cruz 2nd row: Roma Clemente,Roberto San Juan, Oscar Recto, Milagros Suva, Lilac Umali, Elizabeth Stuart, Melind Caparas, Erlinda Ramos, Lourdes Balderrama,Bilma Bala,Roberto Roa,Romeo Fojas 3rd row:Romeo Miclat,Paul Montalban,Virgilio Vergara,Jose Acevedo,Jose Fargas,Amado Santos,Philip Kastner,Jesus Ching, Melchor Capili, Pascual Veron Cruz, Eduardo Maglaque and Rodnel Javier
1960: I became aware of my heritage in my junior year at UP Prep and began preparation for my appointment as a cadet of the PMA at Fort Del Pilar. This was a period in my teen years that I remember fondly, memories in my High School, of the hectic days, dashing thru the corridors catching my schedule of classes at Rizal Hall. I recall my bag loaded with books, eager, wide eyed, and quick to learn the tenets of math, the arts and sciences. I remember past friends and stormy situations that most teenagers weathered through. As in life surviving the unspoken pecking order among bigger classmates and the so called in crowd was the rule. That lone wolf streak that kept me apart, which peers seemed to see as a weakness was a measure of heritage that set me off from the current teenage precepts of the day. Later, when of age and after further studies, having ever spurred curiosity, whetted my appetite for a life of adventure, of soldiering and foreign lands.
IN THIS PHOTO ALONE ALMOST ONE THIRD (TEN) DEPARTED TO ANOTHER DIMENSION BEGINNING WITH MISS GALANG, NICK PELAEZ, JOSE QUIAMBAO..MELCHOR CAPILI..MAMERTO MADELA...NESTOR RIVADELO...EVANGELINE GABRIEL... MANUEL EDRALIN....CARLOS GARCIA...ERNESTO VILLAREAL
Hello Cap and Helen, Alex and Marissa,
Maraming salamat! Kahit aanim lang tayo, (Si Augie and Violet missing-in-action and much missed) masaya at busog na busog kami sa
ating salu-salo. Pati ang mga anak namin, sina Karmina at Noel, walang katapusang rave sa ginisang munggo ni Helen at yung broiled
catfish niya (to die for talaga ang sarap!!!).
Thanks Alex for the many tips o various matters and MARISSA! for the beautiful music. Ang galing-galing mo palang mag-piano. And Helen, your shopping tips are invaluable. I will really take you up on your offer na sa next
tagpuan natin, e, sa city na tayo magkita. PERO, kailangan pagdating ninyo sa Pilipinas, (sa Marso, alam ko,nandito kayo) bigyan naman ninyo kami ng isang araw para kami naman ang mag-host ng mini sa inyo.
Pasusundo namin kayo sa Morong. Ayan, wala na kayong excuse. Let us know when you are back in the Pilipinas Islands so we can schedule it.
Again, our thanks to all of you. Helen, mamaya ko na ipadadala ko yung galing kay Karmina. Mag lalast day labas muna kami nila RC, Noel
and Karmina. Of course, kaladkad namin ang mga bata.
Dudi and RC
After a terrific night in Vallejo, Dudi and I just got up after lazing
away in bed practically the whole morning recollecting accounts of the
night.
Thanks to Cap and his gracious wife Helen for organizing and hosting
the mini. It was great to see you guys once again. It was fun!!
After 47 years we finally meet up with Alex and his lovely wife
Marissa. And to think they were living only three blocks away from
Cap up to about 3 years ago! It really takes a mini to reconnect.
Pol: Alex should be your friend (now!) he has just lost some 20
pounds and is now a slimmer 204 pounds! Not the same size as in Prep!
Hehehe.
Thanks to Joe for driving all the way from Dublin. Missed Mayette.
Thanks to Augie and Violet for finally finding Cap's house while
avoiding launching divorce proceedings on the way.
The food and the wine AND the company makes me fully support the plan
to organize a reunion as soon as possible. A cruise would be an
excellent opportunity to bond once more. Remember we're all in the
"pre-departure lounge."
Memories of our field trip to Bagiuo in 1957. First stop was Angeles, Pampanga, where we toured Clark with Dr. Roa. I remember the doctor riding in a brand new 1957 yellow Chrysler with all the high fins typical of the cars of the late 50’s. The day was not over yet, a jam session in the moonlight at a basket ball court at the school grounds. The seniors and teachers alike did enjoy the ball hosted by the Pampanga High School. I remember the single Ms. Roma Clemente, photo above, talking about her repertoire of dances and how she enjoyed it. Me, I stayed behind, as I do not dance yet, but was busy talking to local high school girls. I found out the beddings belong to them. Thinking this time, how UP Prep can reciprocate. Billets were in a gymnasium with rows of cots and mosquito nets. I do not know where the girls were, but the energy was ever flowing from the boys…as shoes were flying everywhere in the dark, landing safely at the mosquito nets. Above Pictures of the boys in a later field trip (1960) to Bagiuo and Pampanga High School
The University of the Philippines made this field trips available to the student body under the supervision of Mr. Rubio. I remember our trips to Bagiuo and Bicol by train. The later, I was not able to avail. students start the term with a trip to various High Schools, either to a resort, an American base, or towns in Luzon. School life is also enriched by additional field trips to such places important to the nation’s infrastructure, like dams, markets, military base and institutions like PMA.
Baguio Market
ROAD TO BAGIUO ABOVE, THE KENNON
ZIGZAG ROAD
Market place, Baguio, Pines Hotel where we
stayed for two nights
View of the Bagiuo Cathedral from my hotel room located adjacent to Pines Hotel.
Ah me! the fIfty years since last we met Seem to me fifty folios bound and set By Time, the great transcriber, on his shelves, Wherein are written the histories of ourselves. What tragedies, what comedies, are there; What joy and grief, what rapture and despair! What chronicles of triumph and defeat, Of struggle, and temptation, and retreat! What records of regrets, and doubts, and fears What pages blotted, blistered by our tears! What lovely landscapes on the margin shine, What sweet, angelic faces, what divine And holy images of love and trust, Undimmed by age, unsoiled by damp or dust!
Pamintuan House at Angeles Pampanga. My Church in the town of my birth:Tanay, Built in 1778, the church was named after the Archbishop Ildefonso of Toledo, Spain, who was consecrated during the year 657 AD.
MY ARTS TEACHER MS Viduya_Marita
.
Philippine Military Academy park, Baguio, Philippines
MY SCIENCE TEACHER MISS JULLIETA DAYAP
RIP CLASSMATES
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain:
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set,
Haply I may remember,
And haply may forget.
Arlene Aquino
Evangeline Gabriel
Purita Resurreccion
Alipio Baluyot
George Olivar
Emanuel Manalac
Mamerto Madella
Nicolas Pelaez
Jose Sason
Jose S. Pecache
Oscar Recto
Amado Santos
Carlos Garcia
Ernesto Villareal
Manuel Edralin
Melchor Capili
Nestor Rivadelo
Dr. Imelda Andres
Nilda Fulgencio
Rodnel Javier
Lulu Pablo
Josefino Quiambao
The eagle at the left has the likeness of a Phoenix. The phoenix has long been presented as a symbol of rebirth, immortality, and renewal. From the ashes, we were born during those extraordinary times, in the crucible of World War II, then in later years, the most changes and perhaps the last of the innocent generation. The years from 1943 to 1945 are considered to be the silent (war babies) generation, between the so called hero and the baby boomer generations. The war years, reflected my perception of this period that significantly impacted everybody. If not for the war and the turn of events, maybe we would not be even here. In truth, it is our trademark as war babies. How we and our parents survived the trials and tribulations of that era maybe a feat worthy to be written in the book of adventures.
On the road of life one mile-stone more!
In the book of life one leaf turned o'er!
Like a red seal is the setting sun
On the good and the evil men have done,--
Naught can to-day restore!
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
In 1960: I became aware of my heritage in my junior year at UP Prep and began preparation for my appointment as a cadet at PMA in Fort Del Pilar. This was a period in my teen years that I remember fondly, memories in my High School, of the hectic days, dashing thru the corridors catching my schedule of classes at Rizal Hall. I recall my bag loaded with books, eager, wide eyed, and quick to learn the tenets of math, the arts and sciences. I remember past friends and stormy situations that most teenagers weathered through. As in life surviving the unspoken pecking order among bigger classmates and the so called in crowd was the rule. That lone wolf streak that kept me apart, which peers seemed to see as a weakness was a measure of heritage that set me off from the current teenage precepts of the day. Later, when of age and after further studies, having ever spurred curiosity, whetted my appetite for a life of adventure, of soldiering and foreign lands.
I wonder if you will remember? Prep High, Prep High.
I wonder when Prep High is calling, Will you come back again?
I wonder if you'll keep on striving
For the welfare of our land? I hope you will keep e'er alight
The bright flames Of leadership learned at Prep High
You'll go away graduation day We know you have to go 'Mid tears and cheers we'll let you go Prep High must let you go.
When old leaves turn to new Prep High will call on you.
The next morning we had tamales for breakfast hosted by Mrs. Roa who incidentally cut her finger preparing the tamales. Then lechon for lunch and a series of songs from Mrs. Pangilinan, in appreciation for hosting us, the location this time is hazy.The next billet is at Urdaneta High School below. The same as the last night, boys will be boys as Mr. Toralba and Lazaro kept the peace.
Burnham Park above, where we rented roller skates, and then, shared one of these tricycles with a junior, held both her hands, no names please, a boyish romantic encounter. Surely an unforgettable Chance Encounter for a boy of 13, as she shifted towards me. We cuddled and continued to ride in the cool afternoon fog. Ambuklao Dam, newly constructed then, Photo of Bay Area Prep 61 and songs of 1957.
Just want to share this photo with you classmates. Sent this photo to RC, Its, Vads and Augie earlier. Sent also a copy to Tom Banguis, Jr. ...he retouched and enhanced it at his Ad firm and sent it back to me. Photo taken at the old Aristocrat restaurant at Cubao. I booked this gig for my cousin, Letty Sunico, the celebrant (debutant).. . elder sister of Raul Sunico - the concert pianist. Raul Sunico's late Dad and my late Mom are 1st cousins. Can't remember the year... still remember what I was playing when this photo was taken, Perfidia by the Ventures.
Left to right:
Augie Capulong - bass; Tom Banguis, Jr. - drums; cousin of Tom - lead guitar; Ping Fargas - lead guitar; RC Constantino - manager; Arthur Tan - rhythm ; Pong Villareal drums Lanie...can still play a lot of '60's instrumental pieces by The Ventures and The Shadows. Have 2 Fender electric guitars and 2 acoustic nylon guitars and a huge Fender ampli here in Toronto. Do you know that Vads joined the band after Augie and Atot left. Vads can play the keyboards, bass and piano ... ang galing niya. And we added, Chito Bacani, cousin of Vius as our lead guitarist, matinik sa lead guitar kaysa sa amin. My younger brother took over the drums from Tom Banguis when he left. Was the only original member that joined the new group ( The Extremes) after Atot found a new manager. Left the band after graduating 1966 ..so did Vads and the cousin of Vius. My brother formed a new band ( The Nitwits ) all from San Beda. Do you know that one of the classmates of my brother, Danny, is the son of Lino Bocalan (famous smuggler then) he also formed a band called, The Tilt Down Men ...lead vocalist si
Tito Sotto . .. those were the days......
This song is dedicated to all my lady professors and Mr. Rubio, my sincere appreciation for your kindness and knowledge imparted that helped me for the rest of my life.
Mrs. Celeste Botor myEnglish & Compo teacher
Mrs Rosario Cortez my History teacher
At Prep High, Charmaine is our school song, and it begins like this… I wonder if you will remember? Prep High, Prep High
RIP LULU PABLO
Mr Manuel Rubio my Tagalog teacher and also the Principal of UP Prep
2002 Somewhere in the Pacific Atoll of Kwajalein. Of the 29 atolls, 27 are accessible by small plane (Air Marshall Islands). Majuro and Kwajalein atolls, the two population centres are serviced by both Air Marshall Islands and Continental Air Micronesia Jet Aircraft. Kwajalein Atoll is in the heart of the Marshall Islands. It lies in the Ralik Chain, 2,100 nmi (2,400 mi; 3,900 km) southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii at 8°43′N 167°44′E. Kwajalein is the world's largest coral atoll and comprises 93 islands and islets, it has a land area of 1,560 acres (6.33 km²),[1]:12 and surrounds one of the largest lagoons in the world, measuring 324 mi² (839 km²) in size. The two most significant land masses are Kwajalein Island in the south, and the linked islands of Roi-Namur in the north. By the start of World War II, the Marshalls (South Pacific Mandate) were already an integral part of the Japanese perimeter of defense. Its facilities were being utilized as outlying bases for submarines and surface warships, as well as for air staging for future advances being planned against Ellice, the Fiji Islands, and Samoa. The Battle of Kwajalein was fought as part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. It took place from 31 January-3 February 1944, on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Employing the hard-learned lessons of the battle of Tarawa, the United States launched a successful twin assault on the main islands of Kwajalein in the south and Roi-Namur in the north. The Japanese defenders put up stiff resistance, although outnumbered and under-prepared. The determined defense of Roi-Namur left only 51 survivors of an original garrison of 3,500.
For the US, the battle represented both the next step in its island-hopping march to Japan and a significant moral victory because it was the first time the Americans had penetrated the "outer ring" of the Japanese Pacific sphere. For the Japanese, the battle represented the failure of the beach-line defense. Japanese defenses became prepared in depth, and the battles of Peleliu, Guam, and the Marianas proved far more costly to the US.
God bless my alumni association
In this our chosen Nation,
Let it blossom forth in harmony and peace;
From east to west establish the brotherhood and friendship,
That all strife and loneliness may cease.
In the busy offices and streets of cities,
In the mountains and quiet fields of farms,
Raise each other's mind to greater vision,
Shield my classmates' life from that which harms.
We give thanks for precious friends and alliance;
Help us cherish them as we should;
May we give ourselves in service to each other
for your praise and other's good.......ASC
I WAS READING SOME OLD 61 EMAILS AND CAME ACROSS THE NICKNAMES. I WOULD SAY IT WAS HILARIOUS TO READ THIS AND HOW CLASSMATES REMEMBER EACH AND EVERY ONE. YOU WERE VERY KIND, SOME NAMES ARE X-RATED AS I RECALL, BUT YOU DID A GOOD JOB RECALLING THE SANITIZED MONICKER.
ASC
After 38 years, not an easy task. Kaya pala si Kardinal ang na-assign na mag-recall: mahirap na medyo delikado pa.Mahirap dahil hindi ako saksi sa lahat ng pangyayari sa lahat ng sections. Delikado dahil baka may sugat namanariwa. Pero katuwaan lang ito. Sana lahat matuwa at walang mapikon--afterall trabaho lang ito at " recaller" lang ako hindi "namer" o "baptizer".
Bato-bato sa langit, ang matamaan mag-email agad.
> 1.Jose Acevedo. Babe, Baba, Ali Baba.
> 2.Godofredo Alaras. Godofredo.
> 3.Corazon Amante. Cora. Pipit( from Joey)
> 4.Andrew Ang.Ang. Undress Ang( from Oca V.)
> 5.Arlene Aquino+. Arlene, Stitch, Stitch.
>
> 6.Vilma Bala. Vilma. Bambi.
> 7.Lourdes Balderrama. Dudi......(aka. ..Balde shortened version of Balderama)
> 8.Alipio Baluyut+. Alip.
> 9.Frine Bautista. Frine.
> 10.Eldora Bella. Dhoree.
>
> 11.Jose Buenaventura. Joey. Yat.
> 12.Melinda Caparas. Melinda. It.
> 13.Melchor Capili. Melchor. Cap. Ohab( from Ping)
> 14.Augusto Capulong. Augie.
> 15.Nemesio Ceralde. Jr. Boy. Boyd. Tenggoy Jr.
>
> 16.Jesus Ching. Ching...(aka Foo Man Ching)
> 17.Renato Constantino, Jr. RC. Yat. One Beer Kid. Wangbu.
> 18.Carol Corpus. Carol.Carole.
> 19.Cynthia Cuevas. Cynthia. Cindy.
> 20.Rogelio Cuevas. Cuevas. Roger.
21.Alexander Custodio. Alex. Todio. Custodio.... General "Bull" Tojo (mannerismm of bowing)
> 22.Manuel Edralin. Manny. Edra. Antok.
> 23.Jose Fargas. Ping.
> 24.Evangeline Farolan. Eva.
> 25.Wilhelmina Fernandez. Mimay. Curly Bangs.
>
> 26.Romeo Fojas. Fojie.
> 27.Evelyn Fontanilla. Evelyn.
> 28.Nilda Fulgencio. Nilda. FT.French Twist.
> 29.Carlos Garcia. Itoy. Bukol...Elvis pompadour and then shortened, aka..Elpo Boy/Epoy.... last time I saw Epoy was at Mapua during my Junior year; he was registering for classes with his older brother.
> 30.Nelia Gonzales. Nelia. Nel.
>
> 31.Jose Guzman. Guzman. Joe.
> 32.Rene Herbosa. Rene. Pompoy.
> 33.Romeo Imbuido. Imbuido. Romy. Imbudo.
> 34.Marilyn Jamias. Marilyn...The Pianist
> 35.Rodnel Javier. Rodnel....McKinley Boy...aka Medyas from Lilia
>
> 36.Lilia Laqui. Lilia....(crush of Rodnel)
> 37.Macrina de Leon. Macrina. Macre.
> 38.Wilfrido de Leon. Willy. Daga. Tenga.
> 39.Hector Lumberio. Lumberio. Hec.
> 40.Mamerto Madella+. Madella. (Saw him last at V-Luna Hospital for our Physical for PMA;he has hypertension and skin rash;I was myopic; he got in, at second try.
>
> 41.Carmelo Madrid. Madrid.
> 42.Eduardo Maglaque. Ed.
> 43.Bayani Mandanas. Yani. Bondy. Bondat.
> 44.Emmanuel Manalac+. Emmy. Emong.
> 45.Eduardo Manalac. Ed. Eddie.
>
> 46.Manuel Medina. Medy. Manny.
> 47.Bonita de Mesa. Bonita. Bonnie.
> 48.Paul Montalban. Paul.
> 49.Leopoldo Moral, Jr. Pol. Moral.Neggy. Cardinal.
> 50.Juliana Nable. Juliana. Julie...aka Noble
>
> 51.Teresita Narciso. Tessie. Kumbinto.
> 52.Edgar Navarro. Ed
> 53.Imelda Ocampo. Imelda.
> 54.George Olivar, Jr. George. Diyords.
> 55.Marcelita Ordonez. Marce.
>
> 56.Lualhati Pablo. Lulu. Usec Pablo.
> 57.Angelita Pasamba.Angelita. Lita. Angge.
> 58.Cesar Pascual. Cesar. Sandok. Sandy.
> 59.Quintin Pastrana. Quintin. Bakya. Q.
> 60.Mildred Patino. Mildred.
>
> 61.Jose Pecache+. Pec. Jay...aka Pecs he likes to flex his "muscles"
> 62.Nicolas Pelaez+. Pelaez. Nic.Negro... .Nick can be persistent in his quest for a girlfriend. We once followed a certain sophomore named Kathleen.... . all the way home thru busses and jeepneys with her, and managed to egged a smile; all the while serenading her the Irish ditty Kathleen in front of passengers.
> 63.Amado Punsalang, Jr. Amado. Dodie.
> 64.Josefino Quiambao. Quiambao. Pepe.....aka Yodel King
> 65.Barbara Ramirez. Babs.
>
> 66.Corazon Ramirez. Cora. Corkie.
> 67.Erlinda Ramos. Erlinda...
> 68.Helen Reantaso. Helen.
> 69.Oscar Recto+. Oca. Torecs.
> 70.Irma Remo. Irma.
>
> 71.Deo Reyes. Deo.
> 72.Nestor Rivadelo. Vads.Sleeping Vads.
> 73.Roberto Roa. Boots...He is in LA according to relatives I met aboard ship.
> 82.Ma. Lourdes Saguil. Hedy....last time I saw her was during the end of our sophomore year; Loved to dance with her slow (that is the only dance I know) even if I was only her shoulder height ...sorry Lani, that was before the prom.
Sarmiento Bldg, Makati, where I worked at Procter & Gamble;
ARISTOCRAT. The closest restaurant to our place at MNS. 432 San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate
Top, movie houses, City Hall,
Right Photo Bagiuo, the terraces and the Lost highway bontoc-mainit (mountain province). A mountain trail in the Cordillera, Philippines.
Rizal Avenue the street was named after Rizal, it was referred to as Calle Dulumbayan. I watched movies at the Ideal, State, Dalisay and Avenue Theaters. Later on ... the Universal Theater and Odeon and Galaxy. And Scala, Apollo, Alegria and Opera House.
In the twilight of age all things seem strange and phantasmal,
As between daylight and dark ghost-like the landscape My heart goes back to wander there,
And among the dreams of the days that were,
I find my lost youth again.
And the strange and beautiful song,
The groves are repeating it still:
"A boy's will is the wind's will,
And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."
I should not be withheld but that some day
into their vastness I should steal away,
Fearless of ever finding open land,
or highway where the slow wheel pours the sand...RF
